NORWEGIAN CULTURE
Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate
1 quart Milk
1/2 lb. flaked or ground chocolate
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tsp. saffron
Other Flavoring Options
3 tsp. finely ground cardamom
3 tsp. vanilla extract
3 tsp. espresso powder
For the Hot Chocolate
Step 1
Place the mixing bowl you will use for the whipped cream into your freezer to chill while you heat the hot chocolate.
Step 2
Warm the milk in a large saucepan on your stove top over medium heat. Watch your milk carefully, you do not want it to come to a boil. You will know your milk is ready to add the chocolate when you see small bubbles forming around the sides of the sauce pan and a small amount of steam rising from the milk.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the chocolate while stirring continuously. When the chocolate is mostly melted, remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir making sure that the hot chocolate does not burn.
Step 4
Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl and add your flavoring, stir slightly to combine. Use your hand mixer or stand mixer with your whisk beater to whip the cream to a light airy texture. You will know when your whipped cream is ready when it holds stiff peaks.
Step 5
Pour the hot chocolate into a warmed mug and top with the flavored whipped cream.
Step 6
Another Option: For a much different flavor simmer mulling spices in the milk as it is warming to add a nice cider flavor to your hot chocolate. Strain out the mulling spices before you add the chocolate and continue with the recipe.